Abstract
Nosocomial pathogens have become a priority issue for public health, since they are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients and the development of multi-resistant microorganisms, as well. Recent studies found strong evidence that airborne transmission plays a key role in many nosocomial infections. Thus, we aim to develop a QuEChER methodology for the characterization of airborne microbial levels, analyzing potential variables that modify the air microbiological load. Particulate matter levels and suspended and settled bioaerosols were determined simultaneously employing optical sensors, Harvard impactors and settle plates, respectively. Environmental variables were also measured at different sites during different working shifts and seasons. We found a straightforward relationship between airborne particles, air exchange rates, and people influx. Levels of suspended microorganisms were related to fine particulate matter concentration, CO2 and ambient temperature. A positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.9356) was also found between fine particulate matter and CO2 levels and air microbial load. The QuEChER methodology is an effective methodology that could be used to improve the surveillance of nosocomial pathogens in developing countries hospitals where air quality is scarcely controlled.
Highlights
Nosocomial pathogens have become a priority issue for public health, since they are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients and the development of multi-resistant microorganisms, as well
Three transmission modes are relevant when studying indoor airborne pathogens in hospitals: aerosol clouds, droplet spray, and fomites [1]. To integrate these models, suspended and sedimented microorganisms were sampled in 7 different isolated sampling areas within the hospital: Adults Outpatient Offices (AOO), Bathrooms (B), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Laboratory (L), Pre/Post Surgery Room (P/PSR), Paediatric Outpatient Offices (POO) and Recovery Room (RR) [9]
Differences between sedimented and suspended microorganisms can be related to particles aerodynamic diameter, since bioaerosols larger than about 0.3 μm, which contains most of the bacterial and POO P/PSR
Summary
Nosocomial pathogens have become a priority issue for public health, since they are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients and the development of multi-resistant microorganisms, as well. Recent studies found strong evidence that airborne transmission plays a key role in many nosocomial infections. We aim to develop a QuEChER methodology for the characterization of airborne microbial levels, analyzing potential variables that modify the air microbiological load. Recent studies found strong evidence that airborne transmission plays a key role in many nosocomial infections [2], suggesting hospital air quality could be a significant risk factor for patients. Despite growing evidence demonstrating microorganisms [1] or even virulence factors such as antibiotic resistance genes [5] can be effectively transmitted through air, the contribution of airborne transmission in hospital infections has received less attention
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